Compensation
The Congressional Budget Office recently estimated that the average active duty service member receives an Army benefits and pay compensation package worth $99,000.
Noncash Compensation
Noncash compensation represents almost 60 percent of this package. Noncash compensation includes health care, retirement pay, child care and free or subsidized food.
Military Advance Pay
The purpose of advance pay is to give funds to a member to meet extraordinary expenses incident to a Permanent Change of Station (PCS). It is intended to assist with the out-of-pocket expenses, not typical of day-to-day military living, that precede or exceed reimbursements incurred in a member's change of duty locations.
A member may be paid an advance of basic pay not to exceed 3 months less deductions. Service members are normally required to pay this advance back, in the form of a deduction in pay over a twelve month period.
If you are facing a PCS move be sure to contact your pay office to determine if you will benefit from an advance on your pay.